Washington vs Rutgers Game Info

Washington football will open its 2017 season on Friday evening against Rutgers in a Pac-12 vs. Big Ten duel.

In a meeting of two teams with polar opposite expectations, the Washington Huskies and Rutgers Scarlet Knights will conclude the backend of their home-and-home series this year in New Jersey.

The Huskies are coming off their first ever College Football Playoff berth, while the Scarlet Knights are lightyears away from that mark. Rutgers is coming off an abysmal season, securing just two wins- none in the Big Ten.

Last season, Washington Football and Rutgers met for the first time ever, with the Huskies cruising to a 48-13 victory out west. Washington ended up receiving some scrutiny from the media down the stretch, being criticized for their soft schedule and the fact their only non-conference game was against one of the Power Five bottom dwellers.

This year, the Huskies begin the season ranked No. 8 nationally and will have another weak schedule in the non-conference portion. Many people did not expect Washington to get to the national prominence when they did and perhaps the soft schedule is an indication of where the athletic program forecasted they would be at. Nonetheless, Washington will have a dark cloud hanging over them if it comes down to a strength of schedule discussion.

Rutgers has not beaten a Power Five conference team since October of 2015 when they beat Indiana and will likely struggle again in the tough Big Ten this year. Battling Washington at home will provide a solid indication of what is to come for the rest of the year, especially competing in the Big Ten East- which bodes three top ten teams entering 2017.

Here’s how you can watch Friday’s Washington football game vs Rutgers:

Play makers Dante Pettis and Chico McClatcher will be looking to gash Rutgers for some big yardage. Together, the duo combined for almost 1,400 yards and an impressive 20 trips to the end zone.

Also back is RB Myles Gaskin, who darted his way for 1,373 yards and 10 trips to pay-dirt. Rutgers better not sleep Lavon Coleman either. Coleman ran for another, 852 yards and seven more scores. Plus, the Huskies’ big men up front are rated second best in the the league.

On defense, the Huskies finished the 2016 season ranked 8th in the nation in scoring. The formidable unit, gave way to just 17.7 points per match. Also, Washington 12th in yards allowed at 316.9 yards per game.

For opening day the Huskies have 27 of 35 lettermen back from that unit, including six starters. Sure, they could use a little more depth in the back half but I don’t expect much of a drop-off in 2017.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Heading into this match-up, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have six starters back on offense. They also will have Louisville transfer Kyle Bolin starting at quarterback. Bolin decided to call it quits for the Cardinals when Lamar Jackson went off and one the Heisman Trophy.

To help Kyle Bolin adjust to the new offense, the Knights return running back Robert Martin. Martin was effective at times recording 625 yards and two scores. Unfortunately for Martin,the numbers don’t reflect his skill level. He was constantly met at the line of scrimmage, as Rutgers continuously lost the battles up front. Consequently, Rutgers finished 103rd in the FBS in rushing.

Rutgers does get two of their top three receivers back for their new signal-caller to throw the ball too. Together, wide outs Jawuan Harris and Janarion Grant brought in 59 balls for almost 700 yards and three touchdowns. Obviously, those numbers need to improve as opposing defenses will not fear the Scarlet Knights running attack.

On defense, Rutgers finished at a paltry 126th in the nation against the run. Contrarily, the Scarlet Knights were 18th against the pass. Overall, the squad finished 97th in total defense, and 116th allowing 37.5 points per game. That is quite the drop-off from the 14.2 points they allowed just two years ago. This year, the Knights have 10 of their top 13 tacklers back, which includes eight starters. I expect to see some improvements in 2017.

Washington vs Rutgers Prediction

Rutgers vs Washington Game Prediction College Football Week 1 Preview.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are improved compared to last year’s squad, but how much it’ll show against the power-house Huskies is another matter altogether. Washington is again the favorites to win the PAC-12 and they are also a contender for a spot in the playoffs. Remember, Rutgers lost this game by 35 points a year ago.

Washington has reloaded, and a trek across the country shouldn’t phase this experienced group. Jake Browning and company should do just fine against the Knights on Friday. I expect the running game will churn out plenty of yards, sucking in the Rutgers’ secondary. I don’t expect too much scoring from a below average Rutgers offense. The Huskies’ D is just to good.

Line setters have the Huskies by over four touchdowns in this one. That’s a lot against any BIG-10 team. The over 52 has Washington scoring over 40 points and surrendering just over 10. I think that Rutgers will score a little more than that at home, and the Huskies will be good for their share. Take the over 52 and drive home safely.